More than an Art Gallery and More than a Collective
A common question I get when talking about my writing is: how do you come up with the ideas for all your stories? I've always had a vivid imagination, and to me, writing is just the art of getting those ideas down on a page. Now, that's easier said than done, but it's always felt rather natural. If that answer is unsatisfying or frustrating, believe me, I think it's a pain we all feel.
How do they do it?! That's the thought that was running through my mind after I was invited to a very nice amateur art gallery last Saturday, where the art didn't feel so amateur. It's how I always feel when I look at art, growing up visiting art museums with my mom. She's just a hobby painter, but the same thought always comes looking at her paintings and drawings too.
I can visualize something so clearly in my mind, but when it comes to getting it down in any form that isn't written words... I'm lost. But that's the beautiful thing about art: there are so many different ways to express yourself, and there isn't a single one that doesn't leave me in awe. It's why I want to cheer for other artists, like those who cheer for me. And it seems like that's what the Star Bandit Foundation in Austin is all about.
This wall from the First Veil art gallery is from one of the organizers, Marcus Delzell
The Star Bandit Foundation
I had a great Saturday last weekend. It started with some great company at West China Tea House, which has thankfully gotten an extension at their current place in the middle of a difficult renovation and move. I was then invited to this surrealist art gallery opening titled First Veil, where a handful of emerging artists came together to rent a space, throw up walls and put themselves out there on a humble corner of downtown Austin.
Now, at least some of these artists, like organizer Marcus Delzell, are affiliated with an artist collective called the Star Bandit Foundation. Its a fledging nonprofit just getting off the ground in ATX, but what really impressed me was how these artists showed up for each other. It wasn't just loved ones and other painters there, but game developers, content creators, actors, and even members of a punk band. Everyone I spoke to that night was working on something... there was just so much passion in the room! And like the artwork on the walls, it was deeply inspiring.
While the idea of an art collective is nothing new, the way these artists seem to care about each other seemed pretty special. I've come to learn a lot more about the Foundation since then, but at the time, it felt so organic and genuine. In fact, the event was certainly livelier than other art galleries I've been to in the past. If there was any awkward or stilted conversation, it was on my behalf! Haha. Even the person who invited me kept running off to see this friend or that friend or that friend - you could feel the love!
The opening was a full house!!
Everyone who was there wanted to be there, and I'm sure it meant so much to the artists who were putting their hearts on the wall. There was such a sense of community, I would have felt like an outsider if it weren't for every single pleasant exchange. Everyone was so friendly, curious, and again, passionate, it's no wonder these people are so drawn to each other.
And I have no doubt in my mind that its that kind of community of love and support which produces the best art.
A Look at the Surreal
With all of that said, I do want to talk about the art for a moment, because of course that's what the gallery was about.
The theme was surrealism, which for those who are unfamiliar, may seem a bit bizarre or even abstract. That's because the art is supposed to represent the reality underneath reality, or the "unconscious mind" (Sigmund Freud).
It was so much fun actually speaking with the artists behind the paintings to gain some insight into what was being depicted and their creative process. I walked away with a lot of reflections and appreciation for their immense talent!
What do you think??
Full credits below, but artists seen here are A. Waddle, Delzell, Forge, S. Waddle, and Mendoza
While I unfortunately wasn't able to grab all their handles, definitely check out the artists on Instagram and give them a follow!
Marcus Delzell (@marcusdelzell), Sarah Waddle (@sarahwaddleart), Kenzie Grogan, Elan Mendoza (@emen_photos), Max Freed, Abigail Waddle (@wickerladyart), Sarah Forge and Marissa Dunagan.
Behind the Veil
It's important that we lift each other up. It's important that we find communities who will support and push us to be better, and it's important that we surround ourselves with that positive and creative energy.
Art is art. It doesn't matter if its music, sketching, poetry or prose. Art connects us as human beings, and it was really special to see that unfold last weekend in such a grassroots, wholesome way.
It's all a matter of interpretation, but now when I think about the "First Veil," I think about how I peeked behind it at that gallery opening. It wasn't just a display of art, or a surrealist treatise, but a community not unlike those I deeply miss in Rochester at Happy Earth Tea. And wow, did it fire me up!
Now if you don't mind, I have some writing to do...
If you find yourself in downtown Austin this week, the gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4-8 p.m. at 311 W. 7th Street.
Until next time, thanks for reading!
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